Traveling Overseas Just Got More Alluring for Taiwanese, But It Might Cost Foreigners a Pretty Penny
Government to Investigate Impact of NT Dollar on Tourism Sector
Staff reporter Shelley Shan dishes on the impact a stronger NT dollar could have on Taiwanese travel plans and the nation's tourism scene.
The NT dollar's surge against the US dollar has the government keeping a close eye, as Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai revealed yesterday. The appreciation of the NT dollar could encourage more Taiwanese to hit the road for international adventures, but it may also deter foreign travelers due to increased costs.
During a meeting of the Transportation Committee, DPP Legislator Hsu Fu-kuei put the question to Chen: Will the strengthening NT dollar spark Taiwanese to venture abroad? In short, yes, replied Chen. The lower travel expenses associated with a stronger NT dollar could very well lure more Taiwanese to board a flight for some international fun.
However, this NT dollar gain isn't all good news. According to Chen, foreigners might take a pass on Taiwan, thanks to the heftier expense of visiting.
The long-term effects of the NT dollar's rise on inbound tourism are yet to gain clarity, Chen cautioned. However, he pointed out that the Tourism Administration is carefully monitoring the number of inbound visitors and other data, as this is an issue worth the government's attention.
Should Taiwanese tourism operators feel the pinch from the NT dollar's brilliance, the ministry intends to present detailed plans for promoting domestic travel or offering subsidies to help them through. They'll also collaborate with other agencies to offer assistance if necessary.
It's not just the NT dollar that influences tourism, though. The tourism market can be swayed by changes in the international market as well. The ministry will communicate with tourism operators and activate response mechanisms after careful assessment of the situation.
"The aim," the ministry proclaimed, "is to ensure the continuing growth of the domestic tourism market."
EVA Airways Corp president Clay Sun affirmed that the NT dollar's surge means Taiwanese now have more purchasing power, with lots of folks eager to exchange their money for foreign adventures. Sun highlighted the high volume of currency exchange for the Japanese yen and US dollar over the last few days.
According to Sun, EVA Airways is in the global aviation network game, catering not only to outbound passengers but also those heading to Taiwan for business or to visit relatives. The negotiation progress over tariffs between Taiwan and the US could impact the number of North American visitors, he added.
In summary, a stronger NT dollar may lead Taiwanese to embark on more overseas trips, but it might also make Taiwan a pricier destination for foreign travelers. The government is keeping a close eye on this situation, with the Tourism Administration carefully monitoring the effects on the inbound tourism market. They're also prepared to help local operators with subsidies or promotion strategies for domestic travel if needed.
Taiwanese travelers may find overseas trips increasingly attractive due to the stronger NT dollar, as it reduces their travel expenses. However, this could potentially deter foreign travelers, as the increase in costs might make Taiwan a more expensive destination. The Taiwanese government is closely monitoring the situation, particularly the effects on the inbound tourism market, and is prepared to offer subsidies or promotion strategies for domestic travel if necessary. Tourism operators like EVA Airways are also seeing an increase in currency exchange for foreign destinations, suggesting a growing interest among Taiwanese travelers for international adventures.
